Prepared by
ID Work Studio
A practical Singapore homeowner checklist prepared by a renovation firm experienced in HDB, resale and condo renovation planning.
Before You Start Your Inspection
Use these quick checks before going through the full defect checklist. They help you inspect faster, record clearer evidence and avoid confusion once renovation work begins. For new HDB flats, this supports HDB defect reporting; for resale HDB flats and condos, use it as a pre-renovation condition record rather than an HDB defect-submission process.
Turn on water and electricity so taps, drainage, lighting and switches can be tested properly.
Prepare a phone charger, torchlight, masking tape, spirit level and small pail before inspection.
Take wide-angle and close-up photos before renovation begins to create a clear defect record.
Submit defects before hacking, tiling or carpentry starts so responsibility is easier to verify.
Before You Start
Use this checklist before renovation starts, before carpentry measurements are finalised, and preferably before any hacking, tiling or built-in works begin.
Important: Open and activate your utilities account before inspection so electricity and water are available. Without utilities, you cannot properly test sockets, switches, water pressure, toilet flushing, floor drainage, window water seepage or meter readings.
Inspection Details
| Homeowner | |
| Unit No. | |
| Inspection Date | |
| Flat Type | □ BTO □ SBF □ Resale □ Condo |
| SP Utilities Activated | □ Yes □ No |
1
Inspection Toolkit Checklist
□
Phone with cameraTake overview photos, close-up defects and videos.
□
Power bankLong inspections can drain your phone battery.
□
Phone chargerTest every electrical power socket.
□
Metal rod or screwdriver handleTap tiles gently to listen for hollow sounds.
□
Spirit level / laser levelCheck wall, floor, door frame and alignment issues.
□
Small pail or bucketCarry water for floor-gradient and ponding tests.
□
Spray bottlePerform controlled window seal water tests.
□
TorchlightCheck dark corners, ceilings, pipe areas and DB box.
□
Painter's tape / Post-it notesMark defect areas clearly so they are not forgotten.
□
Marker penLabel the tape with room, defect type and photo number.
□
Measuring tapeCheck dimensions, door clearances and wall lengths.
□
Floor planMark defect locations directly on the plan.
□
Tissue paperDetect small leaks around windows, taps and pipes.
□
Small mirrorInspect under sinks and behind exposed pipes.
□
Marble or golf ballQuick visual check for floor slope direction.
□
Step ladder (optional)Check ceiling stains, access panels and high areas safely.
2
Flooring, Gradient & Grout
Living / Dining / Bedrooms
| Check Item | OK | Notes / Photo No. |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow, cracked or chipped tiles | □ | |
| Uneven tiles or tile lippage | □ | |
| Tile colour, batch and pattern consistency | □ | |
| Grout lines are complete and properly filled | □ |
Kitchen / Toilet / Service Yard
| Check Item | OK | Notes / Photo No. |
|---|---|---|
| Floor gradient flows towards floor trap | □ | |
| No ponding after water test | □ | |
| Grout lines are even, filled and not pin-holed | □ | |
| Floor trap area drains properly | □ |
3
Walls & Ceilings
Wall Checks
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline cracks, stains or bubbling paint | □ | |
| Wall flatness checked with level tool | □ | |
| Wall squareness for carpentry zones | □ | |
| No damp marks on external-facing walls | □ |
Ceiling Checks
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline cracks or joint separation | □ | |
| Water stains near toilet/window zones | □ | |
| Uneven ceiling surface | □ | |
| Hollow areas by light tap test | □ |
4
Windows, Balcony & External Water Ingress
Window Checks
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass scratches, cracks or dents | □ | |
| Handles, locks and rollers work smoothly | □ | |
| Rubber seal and silicone sealant intact | □ | |
| Spray water test: no seepage indoors | □ |
Inside-Unit External Wall Signs
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No damp patches around windows | □ | |
| No bubbling paint on external-facing walls | □ | |
| Balcony / yard door seals properly | □ | |
| Balcony or yard floor drains correctly | □ |
5
Kitchen, Toilet & Plumbing
Kitchen
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sink drainage smooth | □ | |
| Water pressure consistent | □ | |
| Floor trap drains properly | □ | |
| Gas pipe / service pipe position noted | □ |
Toilet
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet flush works properly | □ | |
| Basin and shower drainage smooth | □ | |
| No foul smell from floor trap | □ | |
| No seepage at wall / floor junction | □ |
6
Main Door, Gate & Electrical
Main Door & Gate
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main door scratches, dents and alignment | □ | |
| Lockset, closer and door viewer working | □ | |
| Gate scratches, rust, weld and lock operation | □ | |
| No rubbing against floor or frame | □ |
Electrical & DB Box
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All sockets tested with phone charger | □ | |
| All switches and lighting points working | □ | |
| Data / TV points visually checked | □ | |
| DB box labels present and cover secured | □ |
7
Tengah Centralised Cooling System (CCS) Checks
For Tengah BTO homes served by the Centralised Cooling System (CCS), include additional checks before designing false ceilings, carpentry bulkheads or access panels.
Fan Coil & Cooling
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every fan coil powers on and has no error code | □ | |
| Cooling is noticeable and airflow is consistent | □ | |
| No dripping, condensation or water stains | □ | |
| No rattling, vibration or unusual noise | □ |
Renovation Access
| Check Item | OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Access panels can open fully | □ | |
| Filter removal clearance is not blocked | □ | |
| Chilled water piping insulation appears intact | □ | |
| Future servicing route remains accessible | □ |
8
Meter Documentation & Final Submission
Electrical Meter
Photo taken: □
Initial reading: ____________________
Water Meter
Photo taken: □
Initial reading: ____________________
Gas Meter
Photo taken: □
Initial reading: ____________________
| Total defects identified | |
| Priority defects | |
| Submitted to HDB / developer | □ Yes □ No |
| Submission date |
!
Renovation-Sensitive Defects
Resolve or document these defects before renovation starts because they can affect carpentry, waterproofing, tiling, ceiling works or future maintenance access.
| Priority Defect | Mark | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floor gradient or ponding issue | □ | |
| Window leakage or water ingress | □ | |
| Uneven wall affecting carpentry | □ | |
| Waterproofing or seepage concern | □ | |
| Electrical issue or DB box concern | □ | |
| Central cooling access issue | □ |
Inspection Completed
You have reached the end of the main defect inspection checklist. Save the PDF version so your notes, photos and submission details are easier to organise before renovation starts.
CheckedFloors, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical points and cooling access.
DocumentedUse photos, notes and meter readings to support your defect submission.
ReadyReport important defects before hacking, tiling, painting or carpentry begins.
NextShare quick feedback, then download the printable copy for your inspection.
Before You Download
This checklist is meant to help homeowners inspect defects with more confidence before renovation starts. Share what is still unclear so we can improve the checklist and future renovation planning tools.
Download The Printable PDF
After reviewing the key inspection areas above, save a copy to your phone before your key collection or defect inspection appointment. The PDF is designed for printing, marking defects and submitting notes clearly.
Printable version
Save on your phone
Bring during key collection
Record defects clearly
You Do Not Have To Work Out The Next Step Alone
Your checklist may reveal defects, but deciding what must be rectified first, what can affect the renovation scope, and when renovation can safely begin still requires judgement. Share your findings with ID Work Studio and we will help you work through the remaining uncertainty clearly.
Already Renovated With ID Work Studio?
If our team has helped with your renovation, consultation or project, your honest Google review helps other Singapore homeowners decide with more confidence. If you only used this free checklist, the feedback form above is the better place to share your thoughts.
Leave a Google Review →11
HDB Defect Checklist FAQ
When should I do the HDB defect inspection?
For new HDB flats, HDB advises reporting defects within 1 month of key collection and before renovation starts. New HDB flats also have a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), but inspecting and reporting early helps preserve clearer evidence before hacking, tiling, carpentry or painting begins.
Should I activate SP utilities before checking defects?
Yes. Open and activate your utilities account before inspection so electricity and water are available to test power sockets, switches, water pressure, toilet flushing, floor traps and water-flow issues.
Can I renovate before HDB defects are fixed?
It is usually better to report and document defects before renovation. Some defects may still be rectified later, but renovation works can complicate responsibility, access and evidence.
What tools should I bring for defect inspection?
Bring a phone charger, torchlight, measuring tape, level tool, metal rod or screwdriver handle, small pail, spray bottle, painter's tape, marker pen, power bank, floor plan and phone camera.
How do I check for hollow tiles?
Lightly tap the tile surface with a hard object and listen for a hollow sound compared with surrounding tiles. Mark suspicious areas with painter's tape and photograph the location.
How do I test toilet and kitchen floor drainage?
Pour a small amount of water on the floor and observe whether it flows naturally towards the floor trap. Watch for ponding, slow drainage or water flowing away from the trap.
What should Tengah BTO owners check for the Centralised Cooling System (CCS)?
Check that every fan coil turns on, cooling is consistent, there is no condensation or dripping, access panels can open fully, and future renovation works will not block servicing access.
Should I keep photos of meter readings?
Yes. Take photos of electrical, water and gas meter readings before renovation starts. This helps you monitor unexpected usage and provides a clear record before contractors begin work.